Translational Pathology Shared Resource

Human Tissue Acquisition Overview:

The TPSR provides researchers with access to a wide variety of human specimens and tissues.  Our objectives are to collect, process, bank, and distribute remnant human tissues (both normal and abnormal) from routine surgical resections and autopsies for use by VUMC investigators in basic, clinical, and translational research studies.  Conveniently located near the operating rooms, we are well-situated and equipped to adhere to the specifications required for tissue acquisition outlined by most research protocols.

Our functions include:

•  Providing the highest quality, well-characterized fresh, frozen, or fixed tissues suitable for a wide range of molecular, biochemical, and tissue analyses.  QC is performed on all tissues to ensure that the tissues are suitable for the planned research.
  • De-identified tissues are collected with IRB-approval as a joint effort with the Cooperative Human Tissue Network (CHTN), leveraging the over 10 years of tissue acquisition expertise of that group.
  • Identified tissues are collected by TPSR staff per IRB-approved study protocol with accompanying clinical information.
• Providing access to archival pathology materials for IRB-approved research.
  • Archival material includes blocks and slides from the Vanderbilt University Medical Center Pathology Department.
• The routine banking of tissue samples which are available to researchers.  Either de-identified or identified clinical information is available through our detailed RedCap database (synopsis of tissue bank samples available below).  Withdrawals from the tissue bank are contingent upon IRB and Tissue Review Committee approval.

Newer Banked Samples with Annotation (over 2300 samples)

 Older Banked Samples with minimal Annotation (over 3500)

Forms:

Human Tissue Acquisition forms (TPSR and CHTN versions) must be submitted in the following way and provide a 24-hour notice prior to tissue acquisition:

• Emailed to TPSR-Tissue_Acquisition@vanderbilt.edu

1)  Histology Request for Tissue Acquistion

2)  Request Form for Prospective Tissue Collection - Consented or SPORES

3)  Request Form for Prospective Tissue Collection - De-Identified

             - CHTN Form must be submitted to TPSR-Tissue Acquisition

4)  Request Form for Tissue Bank Withdrawals

If you have any questions, please contact us at TPSR-Tissue_Acquisition@vanderbilt.edu.